Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort saw a rapid and unexpected change this week as construction crews moved in to dismantle part of Tomorrowland, blocking guest access to the area overnight.
Earlier this week, the Cool Ship drink stand, a longtime fixture in Tomorrowland and a popular spot for Coca-Cola beverages, was temporarily closed for refurbishment. Walt Disney World Resort’s website noted the closure and promised a reopening “later this year.” Shortly after, construction walls went up around the area, preventing guests from entering.
Then, in a surprising turn, the iconic Cool Ship was removed entirely. An anonymous Reddit user shared a photo taken from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, showing that the entire stand had been torn down, including the large fiberglass rocket ship that once adorned its roof. This rocket ship was no ordinary decoration—it’s a repurposed prop from the 1986 film Flight of the Navigator and previously stood on the now-defunct Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Cool Ship in Tomorrowland has been demolished
by inWaltDisneyWorld
Fans expressed concern online about the fate of this piece of Disney history. As u/CoffeeJedi put it, “I really hope they preserved that ship… It’s a real piece of Disney movie and theme park history.”
At this time, Walt Disney World Resort has not provided any specific details on when or how the Cool Ship will return or whether it will feature the same menu items, including Coca-Cola slushes and Mickey ice cream bars.
This removal is just part of a broader set of refurbishments happening in Tomorrowland. The Astro Orbiter, another classic attraction, closed earlier this year for a lengthy offsite refurbishment, with plans to reopen this summer. Additionally, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close in August 2025 for an extensive modernization featuring updated blasters, more sensitive targets, and a new animatronic host named Buddy. This reimagined ride is expected to welcome guests back sometime in 2026.
Which area of Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park should Walt Disney World Resort refurbish next? Share your opinion with ua in the comments!
